LLANDAFF NORTH 16pts

BARRY RFC 1st XV 18

IDEAL playing conditions greeted the Barry Rugby Club 1st XV for their visit to Cardiff on Saturday and little wind, no rain and a soft playing surface gave both sides an opportunity to parade their skills and demonstrate a commitment to open rugby.

The visitors started with intent and were soon on the offensive. Spreading the ball wide, they kept play in the Llandaff North’s half for extended periods.

It came as no surprise, therefore, when Scott slotted over a penalty to open the scoring after 25 minutes. With their backs to the wall, the home team was adjudged to have made an illegal high tackle, which resulted in a yellow card.

Barry continued where they left off last week and exerted considerable pressure at the set scrums. As they parked on the home line, Evans was able to power his way over in the corner.

A lack of concentration allowed Llandaff North to reach the Barry line and earn themselves a penalty to reduce the deficit to five points at the interval. This score was totally against the run of play.

However, after 10 minutes of the second half, Barry appeared to have sewn up the match. In a scramble underneath the hosts' posts, Ryan pounced for a try which was easily converted by Scott.

The Llandaff outfit did not take this reverse lying down. They engineered a good pushover try, but their kicker contrived to miss the conversion from almost in front of the posts.

Back came the visitors and, after contesting a ball in midfield, they were awarded a penalty fully 45 metres from the sticks. Scott coolly struck an excellent penalty to ease Barry nerves.

Fortunes swayed back and forth until the home side again reduced the deficit via a successful penalty.

Barry seemed to be attracting the wrath of the referee through two yellow cards, with neither decision seeming to warrant such a harsh penalty. Down to 13 men, Barry were put under the cosh and conceded a late pushover try which remained unconverted. Barry played well throughout and, when their ranks were depleted, they refused to accept that defeat was inevitable. The final scoreline was testament to their skill and determination.

A notable feature of Barry’s play was that there was correct alignment in both attack and defence, with every player knowing his role in the scheme of things.

Barry: Ryan, T Scott, Provis, O’Sullivan, Cordle, E Scott, Lee, O’Sullivan, Evans, Hollister, G Jones, Oaten, G Scott, Poole and Jones(capt). Replacements: Williams, Gallivan and Lundy.

Barry's next game is home against Nantymoel on Saturday, March 22.